Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Set to Make Thunderous Return to Shreveport-Bossier for 2026 Red River Rumble
Fairfield, Ohio — The IHRA F1 Powerboat Series is returning to Shreveport-Bossier for the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown, roaring to life over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-24, 2026. Hosted along the Red River by the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, this IHRA stop marks a thrilling return to a community that loves powerboat racing. The weekend kicks off with a press conference along the Red River, directly behind the Shreveport Aquarium on Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m.
The 2026 Red River Rumble will feature more than 50 of the fastest outboard powerboats in the nation, with prime viewing opportunities at Riverview Park in Downtown Shreveport and at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City.
The event is part of the IHRA F1 8-race series spanning North America, showcasing drivers as they tackle tight, technical courses with deck-to-deck intensity and speeds reaching up to 120 mph.
“All of our teams from around the country look to our return with anticipation as the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series high speed deck to deck action ignites the Red River in downtown Shreveport-Bossier,” said Tim Seebold, Managing Director of the IHRA Formula 1 Powerboat Series. “The Shreveport fans have always been special to me. Their support for Formula 1 powerboat racing energizes our competing teams at this world class venue bringing out the best in them all.”
The weekend kicks off with the IHRA F1 Block Party on Friday, May 22, from 6:00–8:30 PM on Commerce Street near Crockett Street and the entrance to Festival Plaza in conjunction with Mudbug Madness. This fan-favorite event offers a rare chance to meet the drivers, see the boats up close, get autographs, and even have a chance to sit inside a real Formula 1 powerboat.
Red River Racing Meets Southern Celebration
Held in conjunction with the legendary Mudbug Madness Festival, a Cajun celebration of crawfish and zydeco music—now in its 42nd year—the Red River Rumble promises a festival weekend that blends world-class motorsports with Louisiana culture, music, and cuisine.
“We’re excited to bring Powerboat Racing back to the Red River and Shreveport-Bossier,” said Sara Nelms, Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier. “Held alongside the Mudbug Madness festival, this high-speed event is expected to draw thousands of visitors and create an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend in our community, filled with energy, excitement, and world-class Formula 1 racing.”
“The synergy between Mudbug Madness and the IHRA Formula 1 Powerboat Series elevates both experiences,” added Terri Matthews, Event Coordinator for Mudbug Madness. “It will amplify our efforts to showcase downtown Shreveport as a vibrant hub for entertainment and recreation.”
A Community-Driven Spectacle
The Red River Rumble is more than a race—it’s a celebration of community, speed, and the incredible atmosphere of Shreveport-Bossier.
“The Red River Waterway Commission is excited to help bring the 2026 IHRA Formula 1 Powerboat Red River Rumble to Shreveport-Bossier City,” said Colin Brown, Executive Director of the Red River Waterway Commission. “These thrilling races help support both recreation and economic development by drawing crowds to the riverfront. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Formula 1 Powerboats and the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier.”
Event Schedule Highlights:
- Thursday, May 21 – Pit setup begins at 12:00 PM
- Friday, May 22 (AM) – OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE BEHIND SHREVEPORT AQUARIUM 10:00 AM
- Friday, May 22 (PM) – Pit area open for public viewing and afternoon test sessions
- Friday Night, May 22 – F1PC Block Party at Commerce Street at, 6:00–8:30 PM
- Saturday, May 23 – Official racing begins after driver registration and inspection
- Sunday, May 24 – Championship races and awards ceremony
General admission to the event is free, with VIP viewing opportunities at the Shreveport Aquarium.
Prime viewing for the general public will be at Riverview Park in Downtown Shreveport and at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs as you don’t want to miss this event!
Fans unable to attend in person can catch all the action via Live Race Media’s streaming coverage on the IHRA F1PC’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Real-time timing and scoring will also be available throughout the weekend at f1pc.livemotorsports.com.
About IHRA Formula 1 Powerboat Championship
The IHRA Formula 1 Powerboat Series is North America’s premier powerboat racing series, delivering adrenaline-pumping action through its 8 races annually between February and October. Established in 2017, the series features lightning-fast F1 boats that push the limits of speed, agility, and control on tight, challenging courses. Each event is a multi-day festival celebrating motorsport, local communities, and fan interaction. F1PC receives national and international coverage, with millions reached via livestreams and digital channels.
More than just racing, the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series is committed to creating family-friendly, high-impact events that leave lasting impressions—and Shreveport-Bossier is set to experience just that.
For more information, visit:
www.f1powerboatchampionship.com
Live Stream & Media Coverage
Red River Rumble Event Info
The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission with Visit Shreveport-Bossier, collaborates with local entities to develop, support, and promote sports events, enhancing the region’s destination marketing tourism efforts. For more information on the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission, click here.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is the Exclusive Chicken Finger Provider of the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission.
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